by Laurel | September 20th, 2014
20 September 1921
Pvt. George G. Clarke
Veterans of Foreign Wars Select Name of First Holyoke Man Killed in France
Holyoke, September 19 — The Holyoke Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars, met tonight and voted to name the post after George G. Clark, who was the first Holyoke man to be killed in France. He was killed in action February 17, 1918. A committee was appointed to make plans for a chicken roast to be held soon. Eighteen new members were admitted. The next meeting will be held the 26th.
A little more about George G. Clarke:
26 February 1918
Holyoke Boy Dies From Wounds
Holyoke Boy Named in List of Casualties Reported Yesterday to War Department by General Pershing
Private George G. Clarke of Holyoke, accidental Gunshot Wound
George Gilbert Clark [sic] the Holyoke soldier reported by General Pershing to have died in France from an accidental gunshot wound was sent to Camp Devens from the 1st Holyoke District September 21, 1916. Later he was transferred to Camp Bartlett at Westfield and was shipped across at the time the troops left the camp. He was born in Holyoke and had lived there all his life. He attended the high school but did not graduate, leaving school to go to work at the trade of tinner. He was emplyed by the Sullivan and Carmody company and was a steady and efficient worker. His mother died a few months ago. He leaves three brothers, James H., Jr., Walter C., and William J., and two sisters, Mrs. James Bonner and Miss Ethel E., all of Holyoke.
From Holyoke in the Great War:
Clarke, George G., Company F., 104th Infantry, entered the service September 21, 1917. Went to Camp Devens, later transferred to Camp Bartlett, and went overseas in October 1917, with the 26th Division. Died of gunshot wounds (accidental) in France, February 17, 1918.
